Understanding Eating Disorders in Adolescents

Eating disorders in teens have been on the rise, with cases more than doubling during the COVID-19 pandemic. These disorders can have severe physical and mental health consequences, making early recognition and intervention critical. Although boys can have eating disorders, eating disorders are common in adolescent girls because teenage girls are especially vulnerable to feeling that their value as people is closely connected to their appearance, a harmful belief that is often reinforced by societal pressures and messaging.

Common Eating Disorders in Adolescents

Adolescents can develop various types of eating disorders, including:

• Anorexia nervosa. Characterized by extreme food restriction, an intense fear of weight gain, and a distorted body image. It can lead to severe malnutrition, heart problems, and weakened bones.

• Bulimia nervosa. Involves cycles of binge eating followed by purging (vomiting, excessive exercise, or laxative use). Teens with bulimia often maintain a normal weight but suffer from severe health complications, including electrolyte imbalances and digestive issues.

• Binge-eating disorder. Marked by recurrent episodes of overeating without compensatory behaviors. This disorder is associated with obesity, diabetes, and emotional distress.

• Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID). Unlike anorexia, ARFID is not driven by body image concerns but rather by an extreme avoidance of certain foods, often due to sensory sensitivities or fear of choking.

Warning Signs of an Eating Disorder

Parents and caregivers should be aware of the following symptoms of teen eating disorders:

• Physical changes. Significant weight loss or gain, dizziness, fatigue, or digestive problems

• Emotional and behavioral shifts. Anxiety around meals, excessive focus on food or exercise, withdrawal from social activities, or mood swings

• Changes in eating habits. Skipping meals, eating in secret, cutting food into tiny pieces, or obsessing over calorie counts

Early detection is essential, as eating disorders can become life-threatening if left untreated.

Health Risks Associated With Eating Disorders

Eating disorders can have serious short- and long-term consequences, including:

• Malnutrition and organ damage. Anorexia can cause heart, kidney, and liver damage due to extreme calorie restriction and insufficient nutrient intake.

• Gastrointestinal issues. Purging behaviors can lead to acid reflux, constipation, and damage to the esophagus.

• Mental health struggles. Anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts often co-occur with eating disorders. Each of these problems can cause or exacerbate the other.

How to Get Help for Your Teen

If you suspect an adolescent is struggling with an eating disorder, seeking professional help is crucial. Treatment options may include:

• Medical and nutritional support. A team of doctors and dietitians can help restore healthy eating patterns.

• Therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an effective treatment for eating disorders, helping teens develop a healthier relationship with food.

• Family involvement. Family-based therapy (FBT) is particularly effective for adolescents, as it encourages parental support in meal planning and emotional recovery.

Stop Teen Eating Disorders With ReGroup Foundation

ReGroup Foundation is a nonprofit that helps preteens and teens as well as their families anonymously share and benefit from mental health success stories. Too often, the best resources and practices in teen wellness remain under the radar. 

We want all families to benefit from the triumphs of those who have “been there, done that” where teen eating disorders and other issues impacting teen welfare are concerned. We make this possible by collecting family reviews of local mental health caregivers and facilities and providing a forum for sharing personal strategies that teens can use in recovering from wellness challenges. In only 15 minutes, you can begin making a world of difference in the lives of teens and their families — just by anonymously sharing your successes. Register today, and start sharing your reviews and mental health insights.